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Lots of people look at Tony Hawk and Danny
Way wishing they were just like that on a skateboard. While
you can't be like them overnight, you can start now!
Steps
1. Be genuine. Make sure you're in it for the right reasons.
Don't skate just to be cool, or get sponsored and make a lot
of money. You should skate because you love skateboarding. If
you really enjoy it, everything else will follow.
2. Visit your local skate shop. This is a great way to see what
works and what doesn't. Just by looking at others and asking
them how their board, wheels, etc. hold up, you will learn what
is worth buying.
3. Get the supplies. A skateboard can cost a lot, but buy something
sufficient to last a while. Have a friend that is good at skateboarding
suggest a brand to you. You then need comfortable clothing (loose
fitting widely preferable) and a pair of sneakers. Skate shoes
are a good idea, but as long as you can move your foot around
easily, feel comfortable, and know they won't fall apart after
just a few uses, they work perfectly.
4. Set aside a day or two to get comfortable on your board.
5. Practice. For tips on how to do moves, you can always watch
a move in a video in slow motion and pay attention to the foot
movement. Sequence photos are another great way to learn. But
basically, the more you practice, the better you will be. Don't
get discouraged because you can't land a trick the first or
second try. Just practice and have fun, and you will get the
trick eventually.
6. Get someone you know that's good at skateboarding to teach
you. Your dad probably can't pop shuvit or anything, so ask
someone from a local shop or park if you can watch them. Bring
some beginners and ask if what he's doing is intermediate to
advanced skating, if it is, perfect. You have a teacher.
7. Learn to manual first, it shouldn't take long. Once you can
manual for at least a foot while moving, you can ollie. First
practice while stationary. After learning those, learn how to
drop in on a ramp or pop shuvitting, whichever you please. You
may also want to learn how to switch.
8. Ask your teacher about his favorite tricks. If it seems possible
for you, request to learn it.
9. Go skate! Find some other skaters to skate with. It helps
you to learn from their styles or different skill levels. If
you don't know anyone, just talk to some other skaters at the
local skate park. They are usually friendly, and will help you
out. Experiment, make a higher ollie, read about how to do another
trick, whatever your heart desires. Your teacher is more a friend
than an instructor now, share skills with him, and anyone else
you want to show off to.
Tips
• Don't worry. Other people will always progress faster
or tell you what to wear. Skateboarding is only about you and
your board. Just have fun. At the end of the day, a different
t-shirt brand won't help you skate any better than blue hair.
• Give way to pedestrians and if you are told to leave
a spot, then leave. If security or police come, the skate session
is over. Move on. Try to skate in a safe and legal spot if possible.
Warnings
• Wear protective gear. Knee pads can be restricting but
are essential for vert or half pipes. Wrist guards are always
good in any situation.
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